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Royal Black Institution warned of political 'danger'

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Published Date:
26 August 2007
The current political scenario in Northern Ireland, if not continuously monitored, could ultimately undermine the the Province's status and position within the United Kingdom, the Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution warned on Saturday.
William Logan said the "cosy and insidious arrangement" is dangerous because it may lead to "many slow, incremental and subtle changes which would go unnoticed and unchallenged".
"In Northern Ireland we are very aware of changes to legislation and
to government structures set in place under the guise of increasing democracy. We are living in and with a new political system. In recent months we have seen and heard things that we thought could or would never happen.
"There is sense of confusion, and even a sense of betrayal in both sections of the Northern Ireland community. People are just asking 'what is going on?' Can people be blamed for being sceptical and cynical about the level of hypocrisy and political expediency which has brought about a totally unexpected change for direction and attitude," said Mr Logan, speaking in Bangor.
"An interesting part of that agenda is the increasing pressure to introduce dual language legislation. Consider for a moment the enormous cost involved in implementing such a system with dual language road signs and documentation having to be printed in two languages.
"This money required would be better spent on improving and upgrading essential services such as hospitals, general health service and the roads and water infrastructure.
"We must never forget what has happened in the past. Nor will we ever forget those who have suffered grievous loss during the past years. Those who sacrificed so much in life and limb for Northern Ireland and for what they and we believe in.
"It is for their sake and for the future generations that the fraught issues surrounding processions need to be resolved. This could help in a small way to create a more peaceful and pleasant atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Mr Logan said members of RBP members have never offered violence or given offence to anyone.
"We have always wanted to live at peace with our neighbour, whomsoever that neighbour may be, with mutual respect for one another. That is our message and it must be clearly stated and put into practice at every opportunity."
Mr Logan said that because the Christian faith is central to the workings of the Royal Black Institution it is right that members should focus their thoughts on that faith.




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  • Last Updated: 26 August 2007 3:48 PM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Belfast
 
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John from Doagh,

26/08/2007 21:06:48
I think Mr Logan has a very valid point and the DUP should take note.Arlene Foster commenting on the Sir Kenneth Bloomfield untimely speech that Unionists were more confident that the union is safe now that the DUP have gone into an executive with Sinn Fein I do not believe to be true.
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BillyBob,

Donaghadee 29/08/2007 21:43:51
I think Mr Logan should quit living in the past. Having lived through the worst of the troubles that this 'province' has had to offer I am of the opinion that we have never had it better. Know more having to come home only to be greeted on the news about the latest shooting or bombing. Acts of terror that were perpetrated by terrorists on both sides of the political divide. Even the security forces were up to their necks in collusion. While I am wary of SF in gov with the DUP, what we cannot forget is that whether we like it or not SF are representative of the largest portion of the nationalist community. Mr Logan says: "There is sense of confusion, and even a sense of betrayal in both sections of the Northern Ireland community. People are just asking 'what is going on?' By this I take it he means both communities feel aggrieved by the current deal. Well if that the case, surely thats a good thing! If both sides are feel betrayed surely that implies that a compromise has been reached, something that we in NI have not been able to do any time previously? Only pitiful that its not the UUP and SDLP in government, at least they were straightforward and laid the basis for the current government. As for the position of NI in the UK? As a unionist, I must admit it is becoming increasingly likely that the union will disintegrate. Scotland will probably be the first to leave, followed by us. Southern Britain appear tired of having to financially support us anyway so they’d probably be happy to see the back of us. I wouldn’t be overly concerned if I woke up tomorrow and was in a united Ireland. I have been down south many’s the time and have always been treated better in Dublin than I ever have been in London. Furthermore we are culturally more aligned to those in the south than we are to those throughout England.
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Visitor,

Armagh 30/08/2007 18:19:52
Two comments: (1) Concerning Logan's comment that there is a "sense of betrayal in both sections of Northern Ireland's community": Well, that is really only true for the FRINGES of both communities. Hard-core loyalists never wanted to grant equality in jobs, housing, and voting to Catholics because that meant less power for themselves. Hard-core Republicans feel an end to the war is a sell-out of true Republican ideals - e.g., giving up Irish Articles 2 and 3. But MOST people in BOTH communities are much happier today then they were 10 years ago, and Logan's efforts to portray otherwise reveal him as one of those bigots who never wanted to stop fighting Catholics and Nationalists. Point number (2): It is pathetic and laughable that Logan uses the argument of expense to bolster his argument against dual-language legislation. We all know the real reason: If he had it his way, there would be nothing to do with anything Gaelic or Irish on the island, esp. in the north. Feel free, Mr. Logan, to oppose dual langauge legislation for whatever reason you want, but don't lie to us about why. It is nothing about cost, and you know it. It is everything about your opinions of the "natives".
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BigDorothy,

Belfast 31/08/2007 09:47:25
I agree with visitor and Billybob seems a non sectarian unionist. I think Billy Logan is very much of the old school. He has to move with democracy, he cant ignore the number of nationalists in Ireland.
5

,

02/09/2007 11:11:39
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason: Comment deemed unsuitable for publication
6

,

02/09/2007 11:17:06
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason: Comment deemed unsuitable for publication
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